The coronavirus on Smart Talk Wednesday: Insurance questions answered and Pa. state universities at a turning point

• Scott LaMar
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

 AP Photo / Matt Rourke

Shown is West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Friday, May 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Pennsylvania’s state-owned universities were facing major financial challenges before the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the schools to online classes only, but the coronavirus outbreak has made the institutions’ situation even more dire.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s 14 universities are projected to lose up to $100 million as a result of the spring semester being shut down.

Declining enrollments at the schools and stagnant state funding created financial hardship for the system.

Reform plans were underway but may now have to be accelerated.

The Chancellor of PASSHE, Dan Greenstein is on Wednesday’s Smart Talk to explain.

Also, many Pennsylvanians have questions about health insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who have been diagnosed with the virus and are being treated are also concerned about paying their medical bills while those who haven’t contracted the coronavirus hope their insurance is strong enough if they do come down with the illness.

Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman is on Wednesday’s Smart Talk to answer health insurance questions.

Consumer services hotline for questions or issues relating to insurance is 1-877-881-6388. Consumers can also visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department for information.